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Why Redesign?
My site is working fine. The links work. Content is added regularly. We have new features. Why does my company need a re-design?
Those are all great things. Sites should be updated regularly, have
new features added, and by far have working links.
However, as the
site grows it soon outgrows its foundation. Leading to an unorganized
use of content, poor usability, and eventually chaos.
A re-design
is a perfect opportunity to take an inventory and put things back
on track. It will also allow for a better user experience.
New Foundation
With any re-design it is a great time to do a little rethinking.
Looking at the current site a question needs to be asked. What is
it that people want when coming to my site? By understanding what
it is people are looking for from your site you will be able to
better position that information within the architecture of the
entire site.
Judging by the Cover
The old adage "Never judge a book by its cover" doesn´t apply to
your website. Users to your site make quick and often harsh judgment
calls within seconds of viewing your homepage. By making outstanding
first impression with a crisp, clean, professional look the user
gets a sense of trust from the company behind the site.
Follow the Leader
Your site could have the exact information a specific user is looking
for. However, if it takes too long for them to locate it chances
are they will go somewhere else to find the information. By making
your site as user friendly as possible you will be able to guide
the user to specific areas of content. Bringing content that is
hidden under multiple clicks to the forefront makes it easy for
a user to locate. As well as, leads the user to other areas of your
site that they might not have known about.
New Experience
New features can dramatically improve the user experience. Online calendars that allow a user to register for events are a perfect example of how a simple feature increases the value of a site. No longer does the user have to call or mail in an RSVP card. As such, the company doesn´t need a person to answer the phone for every registration.
Cheapest Employee
Your website could be your cheapest employee. It has already been
mentioned that your site could make your day-to-day tasks a think
of the past. By adding features to your site that help educate your
user base, enhance marketing efforts, as well as, develop a sense
of who your users are you are in reality making your site work harder
for you. The simple fact is that you have a site. Why not make it
work harder and do more for you and your company? An offshoot of
adding features like this is that your users have more interaction
with your site and your company.
Your Future Customers
The whole goal of a re-design is to create a better experience for your users. There are many approaches to attain such a goal. Maybe it is a new look, a revised navigation scheme, or a complete overhaul. Whatever the outcome, your site should reflect the company behind the site and insure a sense of trust with you future customers.
Craig Kistler can be reached via email or at http://www.smallfarmdesign.com/.
Craig Kistler is an award-winning designer with over seven years of experience in design, print advertising, illustration, and web design. A combination of creativity and strategic planning skills allow him to deliver revenue-enhancing, market-oriented sites that consistently exceed expectations. Big Design Small Budgets is a motto the SFD lives by.
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